Early 1980s

A local women, Cally Cheetham, as a teeenager nursed her mother at home with untreatable Cancer. This experience made her determined to improve local services for others facing this situation.

A team of people in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire volunteered to help her. They formed the Draycott Hospice Association

1987

A derelict building known as Treetops was purchased and renovated by volunteers. This was made possible by a legacy left by John Laver of Sandiacre.

Built in the 1960s, the building was formerly a remand unit for Risley Hall School. It is set in twelve and a half acres of peaceful woodland, pasture and mature gardens

1990s

Hospice services began in 1990 with day care services and volunteer home sitting

In 1994 Hospice at Home was launched and by 2000 complementary therapies had also been introduced

2002

Demand for hospice services was increasing. On an away day the Trustees decided that the time had come to appoint a Chief Executive to move the hospice forward and realise their visions for its future.

Clare Janes, a trained Palliative Care professional, was appointed as Chief Executive in 2002.